The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-03-10

Ifas he asked one day. As she sat with
one of the great poets iIt her hand, af-
ter AN hours reading.
Il was wondering" she said hesi-
tatingly, why you ever chose to be a
marble-cutter? 1 shottld have thought
some other trade would have suited
you better"
How, signorinaP" he asked with a
peculiar smile.
There is not much scope in tomb
stones for poetry or love of the beau
tiful. What are you laughing at?''
she demanded, as he indulged himself
in merry outburst.
Il was laughing at the idea he
said, striving to regain his gravity.
''1es, it is mean business, cutting
tombstones. =
''And | don't suppose it pays very
Well?' sad Laura, doubtfully.
"NO, not very well. When one is
sick. and can't cut tonbstones, he
might as well give up and get one OF
his own"
This was uttered with such a sudden
accession Of gloom, that Laura hasten
od to say:
Don't get respondent, Stefano, You
will have some work just as soon as
You are we'll. Nv mother wants q
tombstone Tor my grandfather's grave
indeed, l am not quite sure but it
will be a monument-and she has
promised to let YOU have the work. :"
Il am much obliged, signorina, he
said in = smothered voice that came
from behind his hand.
He cOughed vigorously for several
minutes, and then he managed to say:
How can | ever repay you for all
your kindness. Signorina Laura? Will
am well? | should like that"
When Laura proposed this to her
mother, Mrs. Grafton was up in arms,
but Laura had her way, notwithstand-
ing. and the lessons began.
II saw You out in the shed this
morning." said Laura reproachfully.
one day when Stefano had gone against
the doctors orders.
True: but one must live" he an
swered with shrug, '.And there is
your grandfather's tombstone"
''Never mind that. He has wsited
eighteen years for it. and he can wait
little longer. You must take care of
yourself. StefanO. 1t is not fair to me
for you to Overtax yourself" p.
His face suddenly lighted with JOY.
els it possible that you care, signori-
na?" he cried eagerly.
IL want to see You well. II you
get sick again, it will throw discredit
on me as a nurse. l do wish you
would give up marble-cutting alto
gether."
''One might if he had some inspira-
ton he said in a low tone. IL could
give up anything for you: If | thought
some day you would love me one-half
so well as love you, | would do any,
thing-make any sacrifice.
"Stefano!" she cried Indignantly.
"You forget yourself. You must not
talk like that to me-"
Forgive me, | did not mean to Of
fend you. One cannot help loving what
is good and beautiful, if one does cut
tombstones.
s'Oh, | never dreamed of ths?" cried
Laura, bursting into tears. You
must go away. and never come here
again"
The next day he was out in the shed,
chipping marble again. Laura went by
and saw him.
'.You ought not to do that, Stefauo,"
she said reprnachfully. ''Iou are not
able.
"It matters very little to me now
whether | live or die he said sadly.
If ! did not hate coWards. would
soon settle il.
She Went home, aud for some time
he did not even see her face,
Meanwhile. he went on working,
and one twilight he threw himself down
on the couch.in his work-room, tired
out in mind and body.
As he lay there, with his face in his
hands, voice that sounded to him like
the voice of all angel called:
''StefanOT
1t was Laura who came towards him,
holding out her hands
'.Stefano, she said, Il did not know
thar l loved You, but | have found it
out. and have come to tell YOU"
He uttered Il low cry and fell at her
feet
Ny angelr' he said, kissing the
hand she held ont tp him: Can it be
that You dove HE well ennugh to be-
come the wife of marble-cutterg"
Il have made up my mind not to
care about the tombstones," said Lau-
ia, smiling.
And Stefano caught her in his arms.
laughing gaily. radiant with joy.
s.My love" he said, s.the tOmbstones
existed only in your fancy. l am not
mere marble-cutter, if you please!
My name is Stefano Michetti.
.'Michetti." Laura echoed. ''Stefano,
1t cannot be that YOU are the sculptor
of the famous bas-reliefs in the Hall OF
Justices"
Even so, signorina, he said. laugh
ing. ''They who know me call me
generally nothing but Stefano. but my
family name is Michetti, ! rejnine thai
its fame has reached you"
..Oh. how could you deceive mes''
she cried reproachfully.
Il never tried to. YOu jumped at a
conclusion, and l let You alone; first
because it amused me, and then be-
cause it amused me, and then beceuse
| hoped to win your love, even i'll the
capacity of poor stone-cutter. Lanrs
mia, the sculp ptor would not have
cared for the heart that was too proud
to bestow its treasures on the statu
ary."
IL could not resist you" she mur
INJURED. '.in any capacity"
He kissed her fondly, and then
glanciug around the room, he said.
This is my siudio-my ateiier-bu
elsewhere have beautiful home
where you shall reign as a queen! See
my darling, here is my work.
He drew aside the brown drapery
and revealed the most exquisite panels
and fret-work, beautiful sculptured bas
reliefs in Carrara marble, about whicl
the art-world was raving.
But you need not cancel the orde
for your grandfather tombstone,
said Stefano mischievously. Il viii
execute that, as promised to-"
What Mrs. Grafton said when sh
heard it all is matter of small cOnse